Obituary of Francesco "Frank" De Angelis

DE ANGELIS, Francesco “Frank” Sr.
Born in Sezze Romano Italy in the province of Latina.
Beloved husband of Giuseppina (Pina) (nee Pupatello) for 57 years and loving father of Frank Jr. and Max. Will be missed by grandchildren Mia, Roman, Tea and Francesco.  Dear brother of the late Marcello (Agnes), Giuseppe (Ascenza), Luigi (Luciana); the late Reverend Father Augusto and late sister Annunziatina (Armando).  Son of the late Vincenzo (Augusta).  Brother-in-law of the late Salvatore Pupatello (Giuseppina), Caterina (John), Vinicio (Concetta), Reverend mother sister Maria Lorenza.  Frank will also be missed by friends and relatives in the USA and Italy.  Once in Canada, he established himself as an entrepreneur with an excellent reputation.  For many years he was the president of Frank De Angelis Construction and had an important role in creating many investment partnerships.  Frank will be remembered for his very solid relationship with the world of art and the social and academic community.  In 1973, he introduced the first television show in Italian for the Southwestern Ontario Region.  He was also a principal host and writer of the only ethnic TV program in Canada within the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation at TV station CBET, Channel 9 Windsor “The Frank De Angelis Show”.  He produced “Polish Panorama” and “One Thousand Lights” at TV station W.X.O.N. Channel 20, Allen Park, Michigan.  He also hosted and established “Italian Panorama” at trillium cable, now COGECO. Frank was also the principal host of "Mosaics" a program on multiculturalism in our community  In 1978 he was appointed Vice Consul of Italy for the Essex, Kent and Lambton counties.  In 1991 the Government of Canada, on the advice of the Honors policy subcommittee, approved the request of the Government of Italy for “The Designation of Chevalier” Knight of the Order to the Merit of the Republic of Italy.  In 2012 by command of her Majesty the Queen, Frank was presented the Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contribution to his community and Canada.  He was a founding member of the National Congress of Italian Canadians, member of the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), where he served as Chairman of the Rotary Clubs “International Day”, and past President of the Italian Canadian Professional and Businessmen’s Association.  Former fundraising chairman of the Marconi Foundation fundraising campaign.  Honorary member of the Fogolar Furlan Club of Windsor.  Past member of the board of directors of Windsor Hospice, past annual co-host of the Easter Seals Telethon, member of the advisory board of Trillium cable, now COGECO.  Recipient of the volunteer award “Hearts that Light the way” from the United Way.  He organized many events, art exhibits, concerts, and receptions in his magnificent garden in order to raise funds for charities and many non-profit organizations.  During his time as Vice Consul, Frank worked hard to promote his cultural heritage and to present a true image of his adopted and beloved country Canada.  He hosted dignitaries, diplomats, trade delegations and heads of state in his home in Amherstburg.  Perhaps one of his greatest honours was to be selected to accompany then Prime Minister Jean Chretien on an economic trade mission to Italy in the late 1990’s.  Frank was a highly skilled political advisor and for nearly five decades politicians of all stripes would regularly call upon him to share his wisdom and his ideas.  Frank was always about service and giving back.  Despite all his accomplishments, Frank was most comfortable in his garden where he would host his many friends.  His most cherished role was always that of Nonno to his grandchildren.  They were his very reason for being and inspired him throughout his lengthy illness.  The family would like to thank Dr. Marco Mura, Dr. Paul Ziter, and family physician Dr. Wayne Albus.  In addition, we would like to recognize Frank’s life-long friends the late Dr. Ron W. Ianni and his wife Mina Grossman, Enzo Petrianni, Guido Nicosia, Salvatore Tortola and Roger Faubert.  Most recently blessed by the presence of Tito Deluca and his lovely wife Cecilia.  Visitation will take place at WINDSOR CHAPEL (South Chapel) 3048 Dougall Ave, 519-253-7234 on Sunday, July 18, 2021, from 2:00pm - 5:00pm & 7:00pm - 9:00 pm.  Friends will be received for the Funeral Mass at St. Angela Merici Church (980 Louis Ave) on Monday, July 19, 2021, at 9:30 am.  Entombment to follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery (Amherstburg). Masks are required for attending visitation and Funeral Mass. Reservations are not required to attend the visitation on Sunday.  Reservations are only required to attend the Funeral Mass and cemetery.  Please call Windsor Chapel between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to secure a reservation for Mass on Monday.  Donations in memory of Frank may be made to the Italian Canadian Handi-Capable Association and Hospice of Windsor.  Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.windsorchapel.com  

Family and friends are invited to join the Funeral Mass at St. Angela Merici Church via live stream by clicking here.